lets talk about respect and what it means to you

On several recent discussions, there has been alot of talk about respect. Whether, it is from people you know or don't, or people from other styles of jiujitsu and martial arts, or people you meet at the coffee shop, whatever. My question is this, Is respect something that is given before being got, or the other way around, you got to give it before you get it, or should it be considered mutual until you have a reason not to give your respect any longer, and if this is the case, is your opinion of how you were disrespected as important to you, If the person who you feel disrespected by doesnt think he disrespected you in the first place. Who's opinion matters when it comes to respect anyway, yours or theirs.

Just curious, in my opinion, Respect is something that you should give until you are giving a reason not to. Anyone else care to share their personal views? And keep in mind, that while this is my opinion, it is just that, and not reason to start an argument. I'm just curious where I stand with my peers on this forum, thanks

In my opinion respect is something you should have for yourself, and if you do then you behave a certain way regardless of other people. If someone is disrespectful (regardless to whom or what) then I would choose not to associate with that person any longer.
It's not a chicken or the egg scenario where you need to figure out if you give it to get it or get it THEN give it...my two cents.

If by the meaning of respect you refer to common courtesy, I would say yes, it should be mutual from the get go in most interactions. It can of course go right out the window dealing with a rude A-hole, and is wasted on that sort.

If by the meaning of holding in regard/esteemed position or treatment, that sort of respect is earned. It of course can be mutual, but IME only really exists where both parties earn it from one another.

if your trying not to have a ego then naturally your going to show respect to all things. even douch begs i just feel sorry for them because i think the better you treat people the better you get treated.